Gentlemen and Medical Scholars--The Best of the Best

As promised, I am providing a new and revised update of my hair restoration surgery from this past week at NHI. On Wednesday, August 29, 2018, I finished my Hair Restoration with Dr. William Rassman and his amazing team for a grand total of 2912 grafts via FUT (one big FUT strip). I'm turning 31, so hair loss is a major concern of mine--as it is for many men and women of all ages. A strip was chosen over FUE since I could derive more grafts from this type of surgery, but every client is different. My number is considered a larger session by most clinic standards--and the surgery lasted all day. I received 1607 grafts in a prior surgery at a different clinic a year before, in another state, to address my front forelock--but other areas needed attention and repair. Dr. R knew immediately what to fix and discussed my options for proper hairline placement. I flew all the way from my home state to see this particular CA clinic (NHI), with its world-renowned Doctor team, because I was looking for the best of the best. I had a terrific experience, and was treated with the utmost respect, attention, and kindness. A true joy. Dr. R was able to isolate over 412 extra follicular units for my transplantation from the same dissected strip beyond the expected yield amount, and he discussed with me the options of reinforcing my front hairline and transplanting my vertex--so as to achieve the most satisfactory outcome. My goal is to achieve maximum fullness once everything grows in, in addition to future SMP session(s) with Dr. Pak later this year (also a brilliant and tremendous guy!). Here was my surgery experience and follow up.
I arrived at 6:30 am. Was greeted warmly. Entered the swank and super clean surgery room, and was provided options for my cosmetic desires/needs. I was very nervous and did not sleep much the night before, but was quickly made to feel right at home. Dr. R suggested I reinforce my front hairline and lower it a bit so as to achieve the best balanced look, he also would address my crown thinning/balding as much as possible. 900+ grafts to front. Another 2000+ grafts were placed in my vertex and VTP point. Totaling 2912 total from a single strip (see above).
Following his discussion, I was given mild sedatives, enjoyed a few friendly jokes, and dozed off. Dr. Rassman's team is truly wonderful and warm/friendly, and it would not have been possible to succeed without them--I had a large strip that required hours of meticulous dissection-with 6 staff working on my case or more. I am grateful. Again, the surgery lasted from 6:30am to 6:30pm due to the large nature of the session. 
Lunch was later served and was delicious: You are given menu options, and I chose Pepperoni Pizza and home-baked Chocolate chip cookies with orange juice. Dr. Rassman then gave me the good news that my strip yielded more grafts than earlier anticipated, and periodically he made careful incision sites in various areas wherein these grafts could later be placed. 
Post Op: I experienced only minor bleeding along my staple line and serum ooze (which is totally normal), but Dr. Rassman was available to take my call immediately at nighttime on his personal #--No other complications so far. Dr. Pak was also awesome and answered all my post-op questions and concerns in person prior to my hair washing the next day. NHI (the clinic) washes your hair for free the days following your surgery, they check for any infections or issues, and allow you to ask any questions. Suffice to say, this clinic is as good as it gets. I know this is a long review, but I hope it serves to help those who are in need of real time information and looking for reliable and up to date details. I cannot wait to see how this all turns out in 8-12 months. 
Besides tightness in my donor scalp, a mild headache on my sides, and some minor swelling in my right ear (all quite normal), I have no side effects as of yet via 3 days from the surgery. Very pleased. I am healing nicely, and I am really excited to see my possible results. Hopeful.

My apologies for such a long review, below, but I feel so passionate about this topic...I'm giving 100% excellent thumbs up to NHI with 5+ stars, but I also want to share my "very" personal story. I have spent nearly 6 years studying the best HT doctors, medications, and procedures in America and their names kept surfacing. I have researched over two dozen clinics and called personally over the years conducting research. At last I found the right fit. Rassman is a true pioneer (FUE, Densitometer, FUT, ARTAS, etc., etc.-look it up) and Dr. Jae Pak is a superb doctor and artist with undetectable SMP results. See his page.
My Story:
I started losing my hair at 23. I remember my British flatmate (in UK) joking my crown was balding. I didn't believe this was possible at only 23--I was very young! I ignored the problem-denial/ignorance/stupidity? By 26 I advanced to a severe NW5, with minimal crown density and scant front hairline. My pillow every morning was filled with hair. I looked much older than my age, and anytime I put nanogen concealing fibers in my crown and temples, I had severe anxiety that my friends/girlfriend(s) would discover my secret. My secret was exposed one sunny day. Nanogen looks clumpy under certain lighting conditions. I didn't want to go to the beach or pool or spend time dating. These were some of the toughest years of my life. People kept commenting on my large forehead and asking how old I was. Fast forward to 31, and my hair loss has now stabilized and I look like I have a near full head of hair from the front with a much lower (normal) and youthful hairline. I was even ID'd a few times at a bar (which never happened before my first HT). I received 1600 grafts from another clinic before discovering Rassman, with great results, and with careful medical maintenance (Minoxidil, PRP+ACell, LLLT, Biotin, and Nizoral-but not Propecia due to my sexual side effects) I have regained much of my more youthful self. I am receiving a crown restoration from Dr. Rassman and his team soon. Beyond excited. If it pans out, I may have the appearance of near full head of hair and no bald crown with SMP (from Dr. Pak). This news brought tears to my eyes.
My experience at NHI has so far been 100% superb. Why? All my questions have been answered on time and without judgement; NHI called and texted to confirm my appointment; I was given the Dr.'s private #s and assured I would be able to ask any questions pre and post-op if needed. They provided me their own (written by them) Hairloss for Dummies book. I was even allowed a tour of their clinic during a live SMP session. Most clinics only care about making a dollar, and NHI spent nearly an hour with me to discuss my options free of charge.

My experience at the other clinic (Clinic X in another state) was much less positive. I got a great cosmetic result, but I was treated coldly. When I called Clinic X I was hurried to end the call or told that the Doctor was busy, or given mixed answers by different nurses on post-op care. Plus, their office was uninviting. After spending 20k on a transplant with them, I wasn't even called after to check in on my progress. Worse still, the PRP sessions I received at Clinic X (elsewhere) over 3 years were done incorrectly--no activation attempted.

In contrast, my Experience at NHI has been wonderful:
1) The facility is state-of-the-art/modern
2) Dr. Rassman and Dr. Pak are kind, supportive, ethical, and smart. Every other clinic I called raved about how great they are--that should tell you something.
3) Both are pioneers (see their publications)
4) SMP (tattoo) was invented by them
5) (Dr. Rassman emailed me within minutes of me emailing him post consultation with a summary--seriously impressive)
6) They provide you a gourmet lunch during procedure-delicious
7) NHI even paid for my luxury Beverly Hills Hotel room. Very cool.
8) Their results are lovely. Check out their online photos. When mixing SMP and a HT (FUE or FUT) one can potentially receive the appearance of a near full head of hair.

I hope this review helps you all.